History

Main article: History of Gujarat

Origin
Modern-day Gujarat is derived from Gujjar (Gujjar Rāshtra), which means Gujjar nation. The
origins of the Gujjars are uncertain. The Gujjar clan appeared in northern India about the time
of the Huna invasions of northern India. Some scholars, such as V. A. Smith, believed that
the Gujjars were foreign immigrants, possibly a branch of Hephthalites ("White Huns"). The
name of the tribe was Sanskritized to "Gurjara".
[edit] Ancient History
See also: Indus Valley Civilization and Solanki

Ancient Lothal as envisaged by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Historically the present-day state of Gujarat has been one of the main centers of the Indus
Valley Civilization. It contains major ancient metropolitan cities from the Indus Valley such
as Lothal, Dholavira, and Gola Dhoro. The ancient city of Lothal is the site of the India's first
port. Also Dholavira, the ancient city, is one of the largest and most prominent archaeological
sites in India, belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. The most recent discovery was Gola
Dhoro. All together about 50 Indus Valley settlement ruins were discovered in Gujarat.[4]
The ancient history of Gujarat was enriched by their commercial activities. There is a clear
historical evidence of trade and commerce ties with Sumer in the Persian Gulf during the
time period of 1000 to 750 BC.[4] Later Gujarat was settled by the Aryans. Then there was a
succession of Hindu kingdoms including the era of the Gupta dynasty and culminating in the
reign of the Solankis. The 9th century history of Gujarat saw the emergence of the Muslims
in the political arena of the state. The first Muslim conqueror was Mahmud of Ghazna whose
conquest of Somnath effectively ended the rule of the Solankis.[4]edit 1297 CE – 1614 CE
In 1297 to 1300 Allauddin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi, destroyed Anhilwara and incorporated
Gujarat into the Delhi Sultanate. After Timur's sacking of Delhi at the end of the fourteenth
century weakened the Sultanate, Gujarat's Muslim governor Zafar Khan Muzaffar asserted
his independence, and his son, Sultan Ahmed Shah (ruled 1411 to 1442), restructured
Ahmedabad as the capital. Cambay eclipsed Bharuch as Gujarat's most important trade port.
The Sultanate of Gujarat remained independent until 1576, when the Mughal emperor Akbar
conquered it and annexed it to the Mughal Empire. The port of Surat become the prominent
and main port of India during Mughal rule. Gujarat remained a province of the Mughal
empire until the Marathas sacked eastern and central Gujarat in the eighteenth century;
Western Gujarat (Kathiawar and Kutch) were divided among numerous local rulers.
Bombay Presidency in 1909, northern portion

Bombay Presidency in 1909, southern portion

[edit] 1614 CE - 1947 CE
Portugal was the first European power to arrive in Gujarat, acquiring several enclaves along
the Gujarati coast, including Daman and Diu as well as Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The British
East India Company established a factory in Surat in 1614, which formed their first base in
India, but it was eclipsed by Bombay after the British acquired it from Portugal in 1668. The
Company wrested control of much of Gujarat from the Marathas during the Second Anglo-
Maratha War. Many local rulers, notably the Maratha Gaekwads of Baroda (Vadodara), made
a separate peace with the British, and acknowledged British sovereignty in return for
retaining local self-rule. Gujarat was placed under the political authority of the Bombay
Presidency, with the exception of Baroda state, which had a direct relationship with the
Governor-General of India. From 1818 to 1947, most of present-day Gujarat, including
Kathiawar, Kutch, and northern and eastern Gujarat were divided into dozens of princely
states, but several districts in central and southern Gujarat, namely Ahmedabad, Broach
(Bharuch), Kaira, Panch Mahals, and Surat, were ruled directly by British officials.
[edit] Indian independence movement
See also: Freedom fighters from Gujarat
Mahadev Desai (left) reading out a letter to Mahatma Gandhi from the viceroy at Birla
House, Bombay, 7 April 1939.
Leaders like Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Morarji Desai, K.M.
Munshi, Narhari Parikh, Mahadev Desai, Mohanlal Pandya, Bhulabhai Desai and Ravi
Shankar Vyas all hailed from Gujarat. As well, Mohammed Ali Jinnah's, Pakistan's first
Governor-General, father was from an area which later became Gujarat. Gujarat was also the
site of some of the most popular revolts, including the Satyagrahas in Kheda, Bardoli, Borsad
and the Salt Satyagraha.
[edit] Post independence
After Indian independence and the partition of India in 1947, the new Indian government
grouped the former princely states of Gujarat into three larger units; Saurashtra, which
included the former princely states on the Kathiawad peninsula, Kutch, and Bombay state,
which included the former British districts of Bombay Presidency together with most of
Baroda state and the other former princely states of eastern Gujarat. In 1956, Bombay state
was enlarged to include Kutch, Saurashtra, and parts of Hyderabad state and Madhya Pradesh
in central India. The new state had a mostly Gujarati-speaking north and a Marathi-speaking
south. Agitation by both Gujarati and Marathi nationalists for their own states led to the split
of Bombay state on linguistic lines; on 1 May 1960, it became the new states of Gujarat and
Maharashtra. The first capital of Gujarat was Ahmedabad; the capital was moved to
Gandhinagar in 1970.
[edit] Geography

Geography of Gujarat. Courtesy: NASA Earth Observatory

Gujarat borders with Pakistan to the north-west, bounded by the Arabian Sea to the
southwest, the state of Rajasthan to the northeast, Madhya Pradesh to the east, and by
Maharashtra, Union territories of Diu, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli to the south.
Historically, the North was known as Anarta, the Kathiawad peninsula, "Saurastra", and the
South as "Lata".[5] Gujarat was also known as Pratichya and Varuna.[6] The Arabian Sea
makes up the state's western coast. The capital, Gandhinagar is a planned city. Gujarat has an
area of 75,686 sq mi (196,077 km²).
[edit] Climate and natural features
The relief is low in the most parts of the state and involves diverse climate conditions. The
winters are mild, pleasant, and dry with average daytime temperatures around 29 °C (84 °F)
and nights around 12 °C (54 °F) with 100 percent sunny days and clear nights. The summers
are extremely hot and dry with daytime temperatures around 41 °C (106 °F) and at night no
lower than 29 °C (84 °F). In the weeks leading up to the arrival of the monsoon rains the
temperatures are similar to above but with high humidity which makes the air feel hotter.
Relief comes when the monsoon season starts around in mid June. The day temperatures are
lowered to around 35 °C (95 °F) but humidity is very high and nights are around 27 °C
(81 °F). Most of the rainfall occurs in this season, and the rain can cause severe floods. The
sun is often occluded during the monsoon season. Though mostly dry, it is desertic in the
north-west, and wet in the southern districts due to a heavy monsoon season.
[edit] Beaches
Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach - Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach is situated on the coastline of the
state of Gujarat and is one of the finest beaches in India. It is located in Ahemdpur Mandvi,
which is the historic port town of Maharao of Kutch.
Chorwad Beach - Chorwad Beach of Gujarat is another splendid beach situated on the west
coast of India. It is situated at a distance of 66 km from Junagadh. Chorwad has a high
potential of attracting both domestic as well as international tourists. The beach constitutes of
rocky hills and presents opportunity for thrilling boat rides.
Diu Beach - Diu beach is situated off the Saurashtra coast and is connected to the state of
Gujarat via a causeway. Diu is a secluded island and does not have much population. This
makes it the place ideal for a serene vacation, away from the worries of daily life.
Gopnath Beach - Gopnath Beach is situated in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. It comes
into Talaja Taluka. It is located on the coast of the Gulf of Kambhat, at a distance of 75 km
from the city of Bhavnagar. and 22 km. away from Talaja. Gopnath is a pristine beach known
for its natural beauty. There is nice fort of king of Gohilvad in Gopnath.
Kutch Mandvi Beach — Kutch Mandvi is an important beach in Gujarat, situated at Mandvi.
Mandvi is the historic port town of Maharao of Kutch, located at a distance of 75 km from
Bhuj. Kutch Mandvi was once inhabited by the Maharao of Kutch and was an important
seaport.
Umbergam Beach - Umargam is about 6 km from Umargam Road railway station on
Mumbai-Surat rail section . This region was part of Thane district prior to creation of Gujarat
in 1960.
Umargam is situated on the southern bank of Nargol creek. It was a small village about two
centuries ago, serving as a transit point for exporting marine products from the fishing port
Nargol on the Northern Bank of the creek.
TITHAL Beach (Valsad) tithal beach 5 km from Valsad. It is only beach of the world which
has only temple which is on the shore of Beach.
[edit] Demographics
The population of the Gujarat State was 50,671,017 as per [show]Population Growth
the 2001 census data. The density of population is only 258
persons per km². and compares favourably with the other
states of the country.
Its official and primary language is Gujarati. About 89.1% of the population of Gujarat are
Hindu.[8] Muslims account for 9.1%, Jain 1.0% and Sikh 0.1% of the population.[8] . Amongst
Hindus the deity of Krishna is famously worshipped in His form of Shrinathji throughout
Gujarat.
71% of Hindus in Gujarat speak Gujarati while the other 29% speak Hindi[citation needed]. Almost
88% of the Muslims speak Gujarati while the rest speak Urdu. Almost all of the Jains speak
Gujarati (a few speak Marwari as well). Parsi Zoroastrians also speak Gujarati as their native
language. Marathi is spoken by a large number of people in Vadodara and Surat
Besides Gujarati the Kutchi language is widely spoken in the Kutch District.
Gujarat as a heavily industrialized state of India, attracts lots of outsiders from various parts
of India.
[edit] Districts

Gandhinagar, the Capital of Gujarat State

# of # of Area (Square Population (As of
District  
Talukas   villages   kilometers)   2001)  
Ahmedabad 11 551 8,707 5,808,378
Amreli 11 613 6,760 1,393,295
Anand 8 354 3,250 1,856,712
Banaskantha 13 1,246 12,703 2,502,843
Bharuch 8 717 6,527 1,370,104
Bhavnagar 11 784 9,940 2,469,264
Dahod 7 1,102 5,292.5 1,635,374
Dang 1 312 1,764 186,712
Gandhinagar 4 216 649 1,234,731
Jamnagar 10 701 14,125 1,816,029
Junagadh 14 969 10,607 2,448,427
Kheda 10 614 3,943 2,023,354
Kutch 10 905 45,652 1,526,331
Mehsana 9 622 4,501 1,837,696
Narmada 4 558 2,755 514,083
Navsari 5 370 2,209 1,229,250
Panchmahal 11 804 3,563 2,024,883
Patan 7 599 6,484 1,181,941
Porbandar 3 184 2,272 536,854
Rajkot 14 855 11,203 2,571,931
Sabarkantha 13 1,386 7,390 2,083,416
Surat 10 1,280 4,742 5,136,391
Surendranagar 10 661 10,489 1,515,147
Tapi 5 not available 3,435 719,630
Vadodara 12 1,548 7,549.5 3,639,775
Valsad 5 241 2,947 1,410,680
[edit] Economy
<this section lacks references and is suspect for accuracy. Please add reference or edit for
accuracy>
Gujarat has some of the largest businesses in India. Major agricultural produce of the state
include cotton, groundnuts (peanuts), dates, sugar cane, milk and milk products. Industrial
products include cement, and petrol.
 39% of India's industrial output
 10% of its mineral production
 80% of salt production
 20% of India's exports
 25% of its textile production
 40% of India's pharmaceutical products
 67% of petrochemical production
 Longest shoreline -- 1,670 kilometres (1,040 mi)
The world's largest shipbreaking yard is in Gujarat near Bhavnagar at Alang. Reliance
Petroleum Limited, one of the group companies of Reliance Industries Limited founded by
Dhirubhai Ambani operates the oil refinery at Jamnagar which is the world's largest grass-
roots refineries. The company has also planned another SEZ (special economic zone), in
Jamnagar.
Gujarat ranks first nationwide in gas-based thermal electricity generation with national
market share of over 8% and second nationwide in nuclear electricity generation with
national market share of over 1%.
Over 20% of the S&P CNX 500 conglomerates have corporate offices in Gujarat.
As per RBI report, in year 2006-07, 26% out of total bank finance in India was in Gujarat.
[edit] Industrial growth
Major resources produced by the state include cotton, peanuts, dates, sugarcane, and petrol.
The state is rich in calcite, gypsum, manganese, lignite, bauxite, limestone, agate, feldspar
and quartz sand and successful mining of these minerals is done in their specified areas.
Gujarat produces about 90% of India’s required amount of Soda Ash and gives the country
about 66% of its national requirement of salt. It is one of India's most prosperous states,
having a per-capita GDP significantly above India's average. Kalol Khambat and
Ankaleshwar are today known for their oil and natural gas production. Dhuvaran has a
thermal power station, which uses coal, oil and gas. The Tarapur nuclear station in
Maharashtra supplies the maining power. Also on the Gulf of Khambat, 50 kilometres
(31 mi) southeast of Bhavnagar , is the Alang Ship Recycling Yard (the world's largest).
General Motors produces the Astra car at Halol near Vadodara. Jalalpur is a large town of
Gujarat, where several small and large textile industrial units have been established. Surat, a
city by the Gulf of Khambat, is a hub of the global diamond trade.Apart from 100%
Diamonds in the world 98% diamonds are getting cut and polish in Surat.[9]
During the period 1960-90, Gujarat established itself as a leader in various industrial sectors
including textiles, engineering, chemicals, petrochemicals, drugs and pharmaceuticals, dairy,
cement and ceramics, gems and jewellery, amongst others. Post-liberalization period saw
Gujarat's State Domestic Product (SDP) rising at an average growth rate of 14% per annum in
real terms (from 1994-2002). Gujarat achieved as much as 35% of augmentation in its power
generation capacity during the period 1995-96 and 2000-01. The producers (IPPs) have
contributed significantly in this addition. Gujarat is one of the first few states in India to have
encouraged private sector investment some of which are already in operation. In addition the
liquid cargo (chemicals) handling port at Dahej is also set up in joint sector and made
operational. At an investor's summit entitled "Vibrant Gujarat" arranged between January 10,
2007 to January 13, 2007, at Science City, Ahmedabad, the state government signed 104
Memoranda of Understandings for Special Economic Zones totalling worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore.
[10]
However, most of the investment was from domestic industry.[11] In the fourth Vibrant
Gujarat Global Investors' Summit held at Science City, Ahmedabad in January 2009, there
were 600 foreign delegates. In all 8668 MOUs worth Rs 12.5 lakh cr were signed, estimated
to create 25 lakh new job opportunities in the state.[9]
[edit] Agriculture
Gujarat is the main producer of tobacco, cotton, and groundnuts in India. Other major food
crops produced are rice, wheat, jowar, bajra, maize, Tur, and gram. Gujarat has an
agricultural economy; the total crop area amounts to more than one-half of the total land area.
[12]

Animal husbandry and dairying have played a vital role in the rural economy of Gujarat.
Dairy farming, primarily concerned with milk production, functions on a cooperative basis
and has more than a million members. Gujarat is the largest producer of milk in India. Amul
milk co-operative federation products are well known all over India and it is Asia's biggest
dairy[13]. Among livestock raised are buffalo and other cattle, sheep, and goats. As per the
results of livestock census 1997, there were 209.70 lakh livestock in Gujarat State. As per the
estimates of the survey of major livestock products, during the year 2002-03 the Gujarat
produced 6.09 million tonnes of milk, 385 million eggs and 2.71 million kg of wool. Gujarat
also contributes inputs to industries like textiles, oil and soap.
[edit] Government and politics

Gujarat state symbols

Animal Asiatic lion
Districts of Gujarat Greater
Main article: Politics of Gujarat Bird
flamingo
Further information: Districts of Gujarat and  Chief Ministers of Dance Garba
Gujarat
Flower galgota
On 1960-05-01, Gujarat was created out of the 17 northern Language Gujarati
districts of former State of Bombay. These districts were further
subdivided later on. There are 26 administrative districts in the Jai Jai
Song Garavi
state (as of 2007).
Gujarat
Sport
mango
Tree
(amba )
Gujarat is governed by a Legislative Assembly of 182 members. Members of the Legislative
Assembly (MLA) are elected on the basis of adult suffrage from one of 182 constituencies, of
which 13 are reserved for scheduled castes and 26 for scheduled tribes. The term of office for
a member of the Legislative Assembly is five years. The Legislative Assembly elects a
speaker, who presides over the meetings of the legislature. A governor is appointed by the
President of India, and is Assembly, and to address the House after every general election and
the commencement of each year's first session of the Legislative Assembly. The leader of the
majority party or coalition in the legislature (Chief Minister) or his or her designee acts as the
Leader of the Legislative Assembly. The administration of the state is led by the Chief
Minister.
After gaining independence in 1947, the Indian National Congress party (INC) ruled the
Bombay state (which included present-day Gujarat and Maharashtra). Congress continued to
govern Gujarat after the state's creation in 1960. During and after India's State of Emergency
of 1975-1977, public support for the Congress Party eroded, but it continued to hold
government until 1995. In the 1995 Assembly elections, the Congress lost to the Bharatiya
Janata Party (BJP) and Keshubhai Patel came to power. His government lasted only two
years. The fall of that government was provoked by a split in the BJP led by Shankersinh
Vaghela and has won most of the subsequent polls. In 2001, following the loss of two
assembly seats in by-elections, Keshubhai Patel resigned and yielded power to Narendra
Modi. The BJP retained a majority in the 2002 election, and Narendra Modi has since served
as Chief Minister of the state. On 1 June 2007, Narendra Modi became the longest serving
Chief Minister of Gujarat.[14][15] On December 23, 2007, the BJP won the state elections in
Gujarat and Narendra Modi became the chief minister for the third time in a row.
Gujarat is a dry state, and the sale of alcohol is banned there.
[edit] Revenues of government
This is a chart of trend of own tax revenues (excluding the shares from Union tax pool) of the
Government of Gujarat assessed by the Finance Commissions from time to time with figures
in millions of Indian rupees.

Year Own tax revenues

2000 104,818

2005 138,964

[edit] Education
Gujarat has 13 universities] and four agricultural universities. National Institute of
Technology at Surat. Indian Institute of Management at Ahmedabad, National Institute of
Design, at Ahmedabad.
[edit] GSHSEB
The Gujarat Secondary & Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) was constituted in
1972, following the enactment of the Gujarat Secondary Education Act 1972. Its Chairman
and Deputy Chairman are appointed by the State Government. It has 16 ex officio members,
and 44 other members drawn from academic organizations, legislative bodies and civil
society. Various Committees with specific responsibilities function under the Board. Such as:
Executive Committee, Examination Committee, Finance Committee, Education Committee,
Magazine Advisory Committee.
GSHSEB provides the State Government guidance about the policies governing secondary
education, its development and qualitative enhancement. In an overview, its duties are:
 Preparing the curricula & syllabi
 Registering new Secondary schools and monitoring their performance on a continual
basis
 Providing developmental guidance
 Organising training for teachers and principals-up measures (for instance, to integrate
Gujarat's students with the Information Technology-enabled global village, the Board
has introduced Computer Studies among regular curricula).
[edit] Universities
There are total 29 universities in Gujarat as on March 1, 2009. This includes the recent Kadi
Sarva Vishwavidyalaya and Navrachana University. The Government of Gujarat has already
given the approval to these three universities and the enrollment will begin in June 2009.
Ahmedabad Vadodara
 Center for Environmental  Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
Planning and Technology  Navrachana University
 Gujarat University Other areas
 Gujarat Technological  Bhavnagar University, Bhavnagar
University  Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar
 Indian Institute of  Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University,
Management (IIM, Patan
Ahmedabad)
 ICFAI University
 National Institute of Design
 Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh
 Nirma University
 Kadi Sarva Vishwavidyalaya, Kadi
 Ahmedabad University
 Krantiguru Shyamji Krishna Verma Kachchh
Anand and Nadiad University, Kachchh
 Anand Agricultural  Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari
University, Anand  Sardar Krushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural
 Institute of Rural University, Palanpur
Management Anand  Saurashtra University, Rajkot
 Dharmsinh Desai University,  Ganpat University, Mehsana
Nadiad
 Sardar Patel University,
Vallabh Vidyanagar
Gandhinagar
 Enterprenuership
Development Institute Of
India
 Dhirubhai Ambani Institute
of Information and
Communication Technology
 Gujarat National Law
University
 National Institute of Fashion
Technology
  National Institute of Design
 National Institute Of Co-
Operative Management
 Indian Institute of
Technology
 Pandit Deendayal Petroleum
University
 Gujarat Forensic Sciences
University
Surat
 Sardar Vallabhbhai National
Institute of Technology
 Veer Narmad South Gujarat
University

[edit] Engineering institutes

NIT, Surat
1. National Institute of Technology in Surat
2. Faculty of Technology and Engineering, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda,
Vadodara
3. L D College of Engineering, Ahmedabad
4. Lukhdhirji Engineering College, Morbi
5. Government Engineering College, Patan
6. Vishwakarma Government Engineering College, Gandhinagar
7. Nirma University of Science and Technology, Ahmedabad
8. C.U.Shah college of engineering and technology, Surendranagar
9. Sankalchand Patel College of Engineering, Visnagar
10. Gandhinagar Institute of Technology,Gandhinagar
11. U. V. Patel College of Engineering[16]
12. L.C.Institute of Technology, Bhandu, Mehsana
13. V. V. P. Engineering College, Rajkot
14. Babaria Institute of Technology, Varnama
15. Atmiya Institute of Technology & Science
16. L.D.R.P Institute of Engineering & Technology.Gandhinagar
17. A.D. Patel Institute of Technology, New Vallabh Vidhyanagar, Gujarat
18. Government Engineering College,Modasa
19. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Technology, Vasad, Vadodara
20. Dharamsinh Desai Institute of Technology, Nadiad
21. Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology,
Gandhinagar
 22. Charotar Institute Of Technology (Changa)
23. Sarvajanik College of Engineering and Technology, Surat
24. C K Pithawala College of Engineering and Technology, Surat
25. Birla Vishwakarma Mahavidyalaya from S.P University at Vallabh Vidyanagar near
Anand.
26. G H Patel College Of Engineering & Technology at Vallabh Vidyanagar near Anand.
27. The Institute for Plasma Research is an autonomous physics research institute located
in the capital city Gandhinagar and is involved in the research of various aspects of
plasma science including basic plasma physics, research on magnetically confined hot
plasmas and plasma technologies for industrial applications. As a unit of the
Department of Space, Government of India, PRL carries out fundamental research in
select areas of physics, space, and atmospheric sciences.
28. Ahmedabad Textile and Industries’ Research Association is also located in
Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
29. Pandit Deendayal University,Gandhinagar which is started by GSPC is offering
undergraduate and management courses in petroleum fields.
30. IPTG (Institute of Petroleum Technology, Gandhinagar)
31. IPMG (Institute of Petroleum Management, Gandhinagar)
32. Indus Institute of Technology and Engineering, Ahmedabad
[edit] Other institutes
Gujarat is also known for many national level institutions. The Space Applications Centre
(SAC) is an institution for space research and satellite communication in Ahmedabad, India
under the aegis of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, a
renowned scientist, industrialist and visionary gujarati had played an important role in it. He
also founded Physical Research Laboratory, a research institute encompasses Astrophysics,
Solar System and cosmic radiation. He also envisioned Indian Institute of Management
Ahmedabad, one of the internationally reputed management research institute is located in
Gujarat's commercial capital Ahmadabad and is the top ranked management institutes in the
country [1].[citation needed]

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad

Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute has been established under Council for
Scientific and Industrial Research Govt. of India at Bhavnagar. It was inaugurated by Late
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the First Prime Minister of India on 10 April, 1954, with a view to
carry out research on marine salt, and salt from inland lakes and sub-soil brine. It is working
on reverse osmosis, electro membrane process, salt and marine chemicals, analytical science,
marine biotechnology, and other related fields.
B.K. School of Business Management is ranked 6th in terms of financial Management [2]. K.
S. School of Business Management is also an MBA College in Gujarat University providing
a unique five year's integrated MBA Cource. The National Institute of Design (NID) is
internationally acclaimed as one of the foremost multi-disciplinary institutions in the field of
design education and research. In addition, Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) is
one of the leading sectoral institution in rural management. IRMA is a unique institution in
the sense that it provides professional education to train managers for rural management. It is
one of its kind in overall Asia.
Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat is one of the best engineering
colleges in India. It is one of the 20 NITs created by the central govt. and is a deemed
university. It has students from all over India and some foreign students as well.Also there is
Nirma University ranked 14th in self financed engineering colleges in India.
Apart from that Mudra Institute of Communication Ahmedabad (MICA) is one of the famous
institute for Mass communication and well renowned across India. In terms of professional
development & management consulting the pioneer person is Jagdish CHaudhari who is
national award winner & All India Best Cadet. He is much sought for coaching & career
guidance. IIT Indian institute of technology was established at Gandhinagar in year 2008. IIT
Gandhinagar is mentored by IIT Bombay. IIT'S first batch started on August 1, 2008 at a
temporary building of government college, Chandkheda, Gandhinagar
[edit] Gujarat Science City
Gujarat Science City[17], is a government initiative to draw more students towards education
in science, which hosts India's first IMAX 3D theatre, an energy park, a hall of science, an
amphitheatre, and dancing musical fountains among others.
Main article: List of educational institutions of Gujarat

[edit] Religion

Modhera Sun Temple

Somnath Temple
Dwarkanath Temple in Dwarka is one of the important temples dedicated to Krishna. On the
tip of the Arabian Sea it was home to Krishna. The Rann of Kutchch covers a large portion of
western Gujarat, and is world-famous for its rare ecosystem, fossils, wildlife and terrain.
Palitana Temples are a complex of Jain temples situated 51 km south west of Bhavnagar.
There are 863 temples from base to the peak of the Shatrunjaya hill, where the Palitana
temples are located.
Somnath Temple located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western
coast of Gujarat, India is one of the twelve Jyotirlings (golden lingas) or symbols of the God
Shiva. It is mentioned in the Rig Veda. Somnath means "The Protector of Moon God". The
Somnath Temple is known as 'the Shrine Eternal', as the temple has been destroyed six times,
but was rebuilt on each occasion.
Modhera Sun Temple is famous for its rare position as specifically and uniquely designed for
the worship of the Sun, Lord Surya. While the main temple is beautifully and intricately
designed with complex architecture, painting and sculptures, there is a central pond and
surrounding it stand 108 small temples for each of the Sun God's 108 names.
Shankheshwar Jain Temples are dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar, Lord Parshvanath. It is
believed that this idol was revealed by Lord Krishna himself, by the teachings of Neminath
the 22nd Tirthankar. It is near Ahmedabad.
Patan houses 84 magnificent Jain Temples built by Samrat Kumarpal, who was a staunch
disciple of Acharya Hemachandra, a Jain monk and scholar.
Girnar is an epitome of communal harmony & amicable relations among Jains and Hindus.
This high-rising steep hill houses shrines of both major religions. One dedicated to Neminath
or Arisht Nemi, the 22nd tirthankara, where he is believed to attain nirvana, and another
dedicated to Guru Dattatreya, a Hindu deity.
Ambaji: tThis temple is dedicated to goddess Ambaji. It is situated on the Arasur Hill and can
be approached by road from Abu Road in Rajasthan, as well as from all other important
places in Gujarat. A folk drama called 'Bhavai' is performed in the courtyards of the temple.
Dakor: this temple town dedicated to Lord Krishna is situated about 90 km from Ahmedabad.
The temple of Ranchodrai has the idol of Lord Krishna which is believed to have been
brought from Dwarka by a devotee.
Becharaji: this temple is another important seat of Mother Goddess in Mehsana district. This
temple is thronged by Hindu devotees, especially childless women.
Siddi Sayed Mosque: the Sidi Sayed Mosque in Ahmedabad is one such famous and ancient
mosque of the city. The Mosque in the year 1411 A.D. The elegant mosque was built by Sidi
Sayed, a slave of Sultan Ahmed Shah.The mosque is famous all over the country because of
its fantastic architecture and exquisite Jali work or stone
Rani Rupmati's Mosque: Rani Rupmati was the Hindu wife of Sultan Mehmed Beghara. Rani
Rupmati mosque was built between 1430 to 1440 A.D. having three domes supported by
pillars with the central dome slightly elevated. It is located at Ahmedabad. Mosque has richly
carved minarets balcony windows and perforated stone lattices. Its three domes are linked to
gather by a flat roof. Muuk-Khana is a special attraction of this mosque.
Kutbi Mazar: a colossal monument raised in the memory of Syedna Qutubuddin Shaheed, the
high priest of the Bohra community.
Shah Alam Roza: Shah Alam Roza is the mosque and tomb of Saint Shah Alam. Here the
brass doors are set in carved marble frames. The floor is tiled of black and white marble. Its
dome and minars shows Great architectural work of sultanate era.
[edit] Religious traditions
In Gujarat, there have been several great religious figures. Sant Dadu Dayal (1554-1603), a
saint-poet and a major Bhakti figure from Ahmedabad treated equally both Rama and Allah
as names of God and became popular in Northern India. He wrote, "The illusion of Allah and
Rama hath been dispelled by my mind; since I see Thee in al"[18]
Gujarat is also the home of Mahatma Gandhi who preached the unity between all religions
and became a worldwide figure for peaceful struggle against tyranny.
[edit] Hinduism
Gujarat was a part of the Harappan civilization. Gujarat is home to Hindu saints of all castes.
Sant Dhudhalinath and Sant Girnari Velnathji were Adivasis, Sant Bhojo Nachabkha and
Madhavagar were Shudras, Mahatma Gandhi and Lala Bhagat were Vaish, Sant Kilha was a
Kshatriya[19] and Lakulisa and Chakradhara were Brahmins.
Many Hindu religious traditions developed in Gujarat.
For example, Pasupata Saivism was established in Gujarat. Gujarat is the birth-place of Lord
Shiva's avatar Lakulisa (Staff-God). He established the Pasupata Shaivite tradition (one of the
six major schools of Shaivism) in 2 A.D. or 3 A.D. According to some traditions he was born
in Kayarohana or Kayavatara in Saurashtra while other traditions hold that it was Karavana,
in the modern-day town of Dabhoi Taluka near Baroda,[20] another that it was Ulkapuri
(modern Avakhal)[21] and another that it was in Braoch or Bharuch.[22] From Gujarat it spread
north to Kashmir,[23] South to Tamil Nadu,[24] East to Nepal[25] (where the Pashupatinath
Temple stills exists popularly.)
[edit] Bhakti movement
The Bhakti movement was very popular in Gujarat where devotees of both Islam and
Hinduism focused worship of God, trying to rid any separations based on faith in God.
Swami Chakradhara was another major figure of the Bhakti movement, born in Gujarat in
1194 A.D.[26] and he is believed to be the avatar of Vishnu. Chakradhara Maharaja established
the Manhubhava Vaishnavite sect which spread to Maharashtra as well. The sect still exists
today in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Sant Kilha was another Vaishnavite saint of Gujarat born to a Subedar (army man) father.[19]
He was the disciple of Krishnasdas (of Jaipur) and became his successor at the seat of
Galta — Kilha's branch became known as the "Tapasa branch."[27] Besides Ram Bhakti
(devotion to Lord Rama), he was also inclined towards yog-saghana and this is why he was
made acharya of the Galta Gaddi.[28] He is said to be the founder of the Khati sect.[29]
Jalarama, a devotee of Lord Rama is another popular figure. Jalarama's birthday is still
celebrated by Gujarati (in Gujarat and abroad) as Jalaram Jayanti.
[edit] Jainism
Gujarat is a stronghold for the Jain community . Jainism preaches non-violence to all living
creatures and vegetarianism. The Jains have heavily influenced the cuisine of Gujarat were
the famous Gujarati thali containing small vegetarian dishes along with roti and chaas.
Morality in business is an important feature of Jain culture. The bania (traders) caste,
predominant in Gujarat, comprises followers from both the Jaina and Vaishnava traditions.
Intermarriages between the two traditions are common.
[edit] Islam
Gujarat was one of the first places the Muslims came to India. King Arjun of Gujarat
permitted the Muslim trader from Ormuz to build a mosque in Gujarat and even paid for the
expenses of a certain Shiite festival.[30]
The Sufi saints are very popular in Gujarat. Shaykh Makhu was a Sufi saint of the Shattari
lineage.[31] "Since Gujarat is situated on the western border of India, there was a direct
interaction with people of Arabia and Persia. Many Gujarati Saints and Sufis became
famous. Among them names of Sheikh Ganjul lim (1381), Syed Burhanuddin (1411) and
Sheikj Wajihuddin Gujarati are well known.[32]
[edit] Zoroastrianism
Following the fall of the Sassanid Empire in 651 many Zoroastrians migrated, including
several groups who settled in Gujarat. The descendants of those refugees are today known as
the Parsis and Irani. The year of arrival on the subcontinent cannot be precisely established
and Parsi legend and tradition assigns various dates to the event.
They originally settled along coastal Gujarat in villages like Sanjan in Valsad district, along
Gujarat-Maharashtra border. The Qissa-i Sanjan is a poem discussing the Zoroastrians
landing in Sanjan by generosity of Rana Jada, and being allowed to practice their customs.
Parsis are generally more affluent than other Indians and are stereotypically viewed as among
the most Anglicised and "Westernised" of the various minority groups[33]. They have also
played an instrumental role in economic development with several of the best-known
business conglomerates of India run by Parsi-Zoroastrians, including the Tata, Godrej, and
Wadia families.
Similarities with Hinduism is seen in Zoroastrianism in beliefs that the cow is very sacred. In
the 9th chapter of the Vendidad of the Avesta, the purificatory power of cow urine is dilated
upon.[34] It is declared to be a panacea for all bodily and moral evils. It is drunk as well as
applied externally .[34] Urine of the bull, called "nirang" is brought to the house of an orthodox
Parsi every morning and is (like cow milk) applied to the face, hands and feet.[34]
There were several Zoroastrian organizations formed to educate the Parsis on their heritage.
Rahnumai Maznayasnam Sabha, established in 1851 by English-educated Parsis like Naoroji
Furdunji, and funds supplied by K.N.Kama. Much attention focused on the improved of
women in society; the purdah was abolished, age of marriage raised, and education promoted.
[33]

[edit] Fairs, festivals and holidays

Around 3500 festivals are celebrated in Gujarat. - the state is known as the land of fairs and
festivals. Some of these fairs and festivals are :
Bhavnath Mahadev Mela (February)
The Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, situated at the foot of Mount Girnar in the city of Junagadh
is the site of the Bhavnath Mahadev fair held for five days in February, during the festival of
Mahashivratri. The Mahapuja of Lord Shiva takes place at midnight in this temple on the
14th day of the dark half of the month of Magh. When the puja (prayer ceremony) starts,
Naga Bavas (naked sages) living nearby, move towards the fair seated on elephants, holding
flags and blowing conch shells. It is firmly believed that Lord Shiva himself visits the shrine
on this occasion. Visitors are served free meals by the organizers. Special stalls sell idols,
rosaries or holy beads brought by vendors from Ayodhya and Mathura, utensils of brass and
copper, sweets and fruits. The Bhavnath Mahadev Temple is surrounded by many equally
ancient and holy places.
Dangs Darbar (March)
Dangs Darbar is the name of the annual fair held every year in Ahwa, the most important
town in the Dangs a few days before Holi. The Dangs is one of the most delightful districts of
Gujarat and is located high in the Saputara hills, the original home of the adivasis, the tribal
population of Gujarat. The name 'Darbar' dates back to the time of the British, when a darbar
of Rajas and Naiks of neighbouring area used to assemble there. Today it is called Jamabandi
Darbar and the District Collector officiates at it. Thousands of tribal people flock to Ahwa
from all over the district, dressed in bright colours sounding the Shehnai and beating their
drums. Folk dances, dramas and songs enliven the air during the festival.
Chitra — Vichitra Mela (March)
This fair, one of the largest, purely Adivasi (tribal) fairs attended by around 60,000 to 70,000
tribal people. It takes place every year in the village of Gunbhakhari in Sabarkantha district,
very near the borders of Rajasthan. It is held a fortnight after Holi, the festival of colours. The
site of the fair is attractive as the temple overlooks the rivers Sabarmati, Akul and Vyakul.
The name of the fair is derived from Chitravirya and Vichitraviraya, the sons of King
Shantanu, who are believed to have lived here and been cured of diseases which afflicted
them. The fair attracts large numbers of Bhils (tribals) who come from all the surrounding
districts using every imaginable form of transport. The Garasis and Bhil tribals dress in their
customary colourful costumes. The costume of the men generally consists of a blue shirt,
dhoti and a red or saffron turban. Women don ghaghras (embroidered skirts) which have a
circumference of as much as 20 yards (18 m), and are covered from head to foot with ornate
and heavy silver jewellery. They use liquid kumkum (vermilion) to colour their cheeks and
lips a brilliant red, while their eyes are outlined with kajal (kohl). Every group that comes to
the fair carries its own drum making the atmosphere come alive with the incessant beat of
numerous drums. The women sing folk songs, and everyone dances. The dancing and
drumming continue for hours until everyone is exhausted. Over a hundred stalls hold food
and drink, and sweets of various kinds. Silver ornaments can be bought and household
articles as well. Here, as in other fairs, there is a giant wheel, and a merry-go-round which
never cease to spin.
Dhrang Fair (April)
Around 40 km from Bhuj, it is known for the samadhi of the famous saint Menkan Dada who
served the community with great love and dedication and won their devotion. He was
supposed to be the incarnation of Lakshmanji. A large fair is held on Magh Vad when a large
number of Dada's followers from different parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan come to the
Samadhi and participate in religious rituals.
Trinetreshwar Mahadev Fair (September-October)
The small hamlet of Tarnetar, about 75 kilometers from Rajkot, is the site for one of Gujarat's
most well known annual fairs, held here during the first week of Bhadrapad (September-
October). This fair is primarily a 'marriage mart' or 'Swayamvar' for the tribal youth of today
who still visit Tarnetar, to find them a suitable bride. The tribal youth elegantly dressed in
colourful dhotis, waistcoats and eye-catching turbans come to be chosen by village belles
dressed in colourful finery. Like all-important tribal fairs, it is attended by tribes from the
adjoining who indulge in dancing, competitive sports and other such forms of entertainment.
There are over 300 stalls selling food, refreshments, exhibiting embroidery and cattle shows.
The bachelors are usually identified by their large colourful embroidered umbrellas and their
distinctive hairstyles. These umbrellas, which have become emblems of the fair, are
embroidered by the tribal youth for over a year. The fair is held around the Trinetreshwar
Temple dedicated to the three-eyed Lord Shiva, built at the beginning of the century. There is
a kund (reservoir) here and it is popularly believed that a dip in its waters is as holy as a dip
in the sacred River Ganges. The reservoir is also known as papanshu (the destroyer of sins).
Vautha Mela (November)
This fair is held every year at Vautha, where two rivers, the Sabarmati and the Vatrak meet.
Like most fair sites in India, this also has both mythological and current religious
associations. The Vautha Mela site is 3 square miles (7.8 km2) in area. Legends hold that
Kartik Swami or Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva, visited the site. This is why the fair is held
during Kartika Purnima, the full moon night of the month of Kartik, corresponding to
November. The site, also known as Saptasangam, is at the confluence of seven rivers. The
most important Shiva temple here is the temple of Siddhanath.
What is most significant about this fair is that it is the only major animal trading fair in
Gujarat and is on par with the famous camel fair at Pushkar, Rajasthan. However the only
animals traded here are donkeys. About 4,000 donkeys are brought every year for sale,
usually by Vanjara (gypsy) traders. The pilgrims who visit Vautha during the fair are from
several communities and include farmers, labourers and people belonging to several castes.
Shamlaji Melo (November)
The Shamlaji Melo, also called the Kartik Purnima fair is held in the month of November
every year and lasts for about two weeks. It is attended by almost two hundred thousand
people from adjoining districts and even from Rajasthan. Devotees belonging to various
castes and communities including the Garasias and Bhils throng this festival. These pilgrims
come in groups, singing devotional songs and carry religious banners to have a darshan
(worship) of the deity at the Shamlaji Temple. The Shamlaji Temple is a renowned Vaishnav
Shrine and the deity housed here is known by various names included Gadadhar (bearer of
the mace) and Shaksi Gopal. The fair is also popular with the tribal people of the area,
particularly the Bhils, who revere Shamlaji, the deity they refer to as 'Kalio Bavji', the dark
divinity. The temple is of great archaeological significance as it was built in the 11th century.
Apart from a darshan of the deity in the temple, the pilgrims consider a bath in the river
Meshwo essential.
[edit] Festivals
Other than those festivals observed throughout India, there are festivities specific to Gujarat.
Makar Sankranti and Kite Flying Festival (14 January)
The Kite Flying Festival takes place in mid January and marks the time when the Sun’s direct
rays reach the Tropic of Capricorn, after the winter solstice. It is celebrated with lots of folk
music and dance as well as kite flying. People of Gujarat gather on terraces to fly kites of
various colours to celebrate Makar Sanskranti or Uttrayana, the welcome to the sun after the
cold winter months. Glass strengthened threads of the Indian fighter kites are matched against
each other in the air — the kite fighter who cuts the other thread is the victor. At night, kites
with Chinese lanterns are flown and held aloft. Food such as Undhiya, sugar cane juice and
local sweets is typically served to celebrate the day.
Dance Festival — Modhera (January)
Resting on a knoll in the village of Modhera are the ruins of the 11th century Sun Temple.
The outer walls of the temple are covered with sculptures in which the figures of Surya, the
sun god are prominent. The Sun Temple is the site of an annual festival of Indian classical
dances organized by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat. The idea is to present classical
dance forms in an atmosphere they were originally presented in.
The Kutch Mahotsav (February-March)
The ‘Kutch Festival’ or the ‘Rann festival’ is celebrated at the time of the Shiv Ratri in
February/ March. The centre of the festival is Bhuj in Kutch. It has crafts, fairs and folk
dances and music and cultural shows, all organized by the Gujarat Tourism. Tours are also
conducted, out to the ruins of Dhola Vera, a city that was once a part of the Indus Valley
civilization.
Bhadra Purnima (September)
The full moon of Bhadrapad is one of the four most important festival days of the year, when
farmers and agriculturists come to Ambaji, a place that derives its name from Goddess
Ambaji whose shrine is located here. On this occasion, a large fair is organized on full moon
days. In the evening, performances of Bhavai, the folk drama of the state is held and Garba
programmes are organized. The devout attend readings of the Saptashati, the seven hundred
verses in praise of the goddess and visit the temple for a darshan (worship) of her. The
Ambaji shrine is the principal shrine of the goddess in Gujarat and its origins are still
unknown. The Temple of Ambaji is recognized as one of the original Shakti Pithas (religious
texts) where, according to the ancient Scriptures, the heart of the goddess Ambaji fell to earth
when her body was dismembered. A triangular Vishwa Yantra, inscribed with figures and the
syllable 'Shree' in the centre, represents the deity. There is no idol, which in fact testifies the
temple's antiquity. Idol worship became popular much later.
[edit] Fairs
Tarnetar Fair
The venkatareddy Tarnetar Fair is one of the most happening events in Gujarat and is held at
the Temple of Shiva or Trinetreshwar (three-eyed god), popularly known as Tarnetar. Popular
belief associates the village with the Swayamwar (marriage) of Draupadi after Arjun
performed the Mastsyavedh, an unparalleled feat of archery. Villagers from all over the state,
dressed in their brilliant traditional costumes and exquisite jewellery, flock to Tarnetar. A
veritable feast for the eyes is the Rasada, the captivating folk dance performed by hundreds of
women moving gracefully in a single circle, dancing gaily to the accompaniment of four
drums and jodja pava (double flutes). It is in district Surendranagar.
Kutch Utsav
The Kutch Mahotsava, is usually organised during the end of February month and beginning
of March. The Kutch region in Gujarat abounds with splendid beaches, fascinating wildlife
and beautiful palaces and monuments.
Sanskruti kunj Fair
The Sanskruti kunj Festival shows the different cultures of the states of India. It is organised
in the winter sesion in capital city Gandhinagar. All the competitors of India comes during
this fair and shows their state's culture & dance.
Shamlaji Fair
The Shamlaji shrine and the site boast of an ancient and glorious heritage. Thousands of tribal
people flock to the Shamlaji fair.
Chitra Vichitra Fair
Chitra- Vichitra means "Different" and this fair is held near the Border of Rajasthan, in
Sabarkantha District, in the village named as Gunbhakhari. There is an interesting story
behind the name of this fair. Folklore says that the two sons of Shantanu, Chitraveer and
Vichitraveer, wished to repent for the sins they had committed. They were advised by a
meditating saint to locate the confluence of three rivers where a Shiva shrine was located.
During their quest the two came to this ancient spot, which is now known as Chitra Vichitra
and immolated themselves. Since then the tribal folk celebrate the fair every year at the place
where the Aakar, Vakar and Sabarmati rivers meet.
Vautha No Melo
Situated at the confluence of two rivers near Ahmedabad, the site attracts people of all
communities. Animals, particularly donkeys and camels are sold in large numbers during this
fair.
[edit] National parks and sanctuaries
Map Guj Nat Parks Sanctuary

Male asiatic lion

Main article: List of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Gujarat, India
Gujarat has 4 National parks and 21 sanctuaries which include: Nal Sarovar, Anjal, Balaram-
Ambaji, Barda, Jambughoda, Jessore, Kachchh Desert, Khavda, Narayan Sarovar, Paniya,
Purna, Rampura, Ratanmahal, and Surpaneshwar.
Gujarat is the only home of Asiatic Lions. Outside Africa, Gujarat is the only present natural
habitat of lions. Gir Forest National Park in south-west part of the state covers only the part
of lion's habitat. Besides lions, the other big cat can be found in the state are Leopards.
Leopards are spread across large plains of Saurashtra and mountains of South Gujarat.